Mini Roses

Gardeners across America are discovering the delightful charm and character of our colorful Miniature Roses. In beauty, form, and hue, each tiny blossom is a perfect replica of a Hybrid Tea Rose, and is every bit as easy to grow. Mini Roses are lovely in borders, perennial beds, and rock gardens, as well as being ideally suited to patio containers. They also perform well indoors in a sunny window, or under grow lights.

Quick Reference Planting Guide

Location: Full sun (or at least six hours of direct sun).

Hardiness Zone: Zone 4 to 10. No winter protection needed.

Planting Distance: 2'–3' apart.

Mature Height: 18"–36", with a similar spread the first year.

Bloom Time: Many bloom in their pots upon arrival, then continue their annual display from summer until first fall frost.

To Plant: Dig a hole at least twice the size of the pot containing the mini roses. Partially backfill the hole, remove your mini roses from the pot, and carefully position the root ball in the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the soil surface. Refill the hole with soil, firming the soil around the plant with your fingers. Check to be sure that the plant is not planted too deep. If it is, raise the plant gently and once again firm the soil. Water thoroughly, and then as needed until the plants are established.

Soil Preparation

Mini roses do well in average soil, but for optimum results, improve your soil as follows:

Thoroughly spade or till the soil to a depth of 12"–15".

If you aren't planting in rich topsoil, you can add a 2"–4" layer of fresh topsoil, aged manure, aged bark, or peat moss to improve the planting area. Always mix thoroughly with your existing soil. Remove excess soil after planting. Don't mound soil around the base of the plants. Never plant deeper than the plant was originally grown in its pot. No fertilizer should be used until the roses have become established and are showing signs of new growth.

Continuing Care

If you do plant in pots, never let them dry out. Your tree requires 1" of rainfall (or equivalent watering) each week when in the ground. If the container is exposed to full sun, you'll have to water it at least once every day, especially during periods of intense summer heat. Try temporarily moving the container to a shaded area during these times. It will still grow in such surroundings. For continued care, be sure to do the following:

Watering: In the garden, your mini roses require at least 1" of rain, or equivalent watering, each week. Apply rose booster periodically from early spring until late summer to ensure strong growth and abundant blooms. Mini roses planted in containers require more frequent watering to keep the soil from drying out, and these container plantings should be fertilized every other week for more abundant bloom.

Pruning: This varies with size and variety. Some smaller varieties require no pruning, while larger types benefit from severe pruning in the spring and selective pruning throughout the growing season. Pinch or prune faded blooms to promote greater flower production.

Winterizing: Mini roses are hardy without protection to -5°F. At lower temperatures, a covering of a loose, non-compacting mulch or soil 3"–4" around the base of each plant should be used for winter protection. Remove in the spring when temperatures rise above freezing. If you plant in containers, move mini roses indoors to an unheated area, such as a garage, and water sparingly over the winter. This will give them winter protection in a harsh climate as will moving the containers to the south side of your home's foundation. Move them out again in the spring as temperatures begin to warm.

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